Preserving Benton County's Heritage Since 1949
Explore records, photographs, and stories from the people and places that shaped our community.
Search Our DatabaseWelcome to the Benton County Historical Society & Museum
Preserving the stories, artifacts, and heritage of Benton County, Minnesota since 1949.
Upcoming Event
Stories Among the Stones: A Lantern Tour of the Benton County Cemetery — Part II
October 15, 2026 • 5:30 PM • Benton County Cemetery
Join us for Part II of our popular lantern tour of the Benton County Cemetery — uncovering stories of those who came before us, including victims of the 1886 Cyclone and early settlers. Post-tour social hour with refreshments and a viewing of our authentic 1880s funeral coach.
Sauk Rapids, Benton Co., Minn.
📅 Today in History
United States
• 1636 The first code of law for Plymouth Colony
• 1957 "Leave It to Beaver," debuts on CBS
Minnesota
• At its headwaters, the Mississippi starts as an 18-foot-wide, knee-deep river.
• The Mississippi flows 694 miles inside Minnesota before leaving the state.
Benton County
• A railroad line reached Sauk Rapids in 1874.
• William A. Aitkin served as chairman of Benton County’s first board of commissioners.
📷 Picture of the Day
Click to view full size